1. Rad Power Bikes Sells Assets for $13.2M in Bankruptcy Auction
Date: Jan 26, 2026

Summary:
Seattle-based e-bike maker Rad Power Bikes sold its assets for $13.2 million through a bankruptcy auction, a steep fall from its former $1.65 billion valuation. Life Electric Vehicles Holdings emerged as the winning bidder, with Retrospec named as the backup bidder, pending court approval.

Significance:
The sale underscores the rapid decline of pandemic-era direct-to-consumer mobility startups as demand cooled and costs rose. It also signals continued consolidation in the e-bike sector, with acquirers focusing on assets rather than full business operations.

Source: GeekWire

2. Amazon Lays Off 16,000 Employees as AI Competition Intensifies
Date: Jan 28, 2026

Summary:
Amazon announced layoffs affecting 16,000 employees in its second major workforce reduction in three months. The company said the move is intended to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate decision-making as it reallocates resources toward AI development and automation.

Significance:
The cuts reflect how major tech firms are restructuring to stay competitive in the AI race. Organizational efficiency and AI-driven productivity are increasingly prioritized over workforce expansion across the industry.

Source: CNN

3. RAM Prices Surge as AI-Driven DRAM Shortage Pushes DDR5 and DDR4 Higher
Date: Jan 29, 2026

Summary:
DDR5 and DDR4 memory prices have climbed sharply amid a global DRAM shortage, with some DDR5 kits seeing triple or quadruple price increases since late 2025. High-capacity DDR5 modules are facing the most severe shortages, while DDR4 prices have also risen significantly.

Significance:
The surge highlights how AI data center demand is reshaping the memory market, diverting DRAM supply away from consumer PCs. Volatile RAM pricing is becoming a structural challenge, raising system costs and complicating upgrade decisions.

Source: Tom’s Hardware

4. Apple Loses More AI Researchers and Senior Siri executive to Rivals
Date: Jan 30, 2026

Summary:
Apple has lost at least four additional AI researchers and a senior Siri executive in recent weeks, with departures heading to Meta and Google DeepMind. The exits affect teams working on core AI models and next-generation Siri capabilities, according to reports.

Significance:
The talent drain underscores intensifying competition for top AI researchers. For Apple, continued departures raise concerns around execution speed and internal stability as it works to deliver more advanced AI-driven assistant features.

Source: 9to5Mac

5. Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max to Launch in March With New SoIC Packaging
Date: Jan 31, 2026

Summary:
Apple is expected to launch its M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as early as March 2026, potentially alongside new MacBook Pro models or a refreshed Mac Studio. The chips are rumored to adopt TSMC’s advanced SoIC packaging to help reduce production costs amid rising DRAM prices.

Significance:
The move highlights Apple’s focus on advanced packaging and cost control as AI-driven workloads increase semiconductor manufacturing pressure. SoIC adoption also reflects the growing importance of packaging innovation in high-performance processor design.

Source: TechPowerUp

At Kinghelm

At Kinghelm, we closely track global developments in AI, advanced semiconductors, energy-efficient systems, and supply chain dynamics. These trends inform our work in delivering reliable RF antennas, precision connectors, and customized solutions for next-generation vehicles, smart devices, and industrial systems.

About Kinghelm

Shenzhen Kinghelm Electronics Co., Ltd. specializes in RF transmission, antennas, connectors, automotive harnesses, precision cables, and IoT connectivity solutions. Our products serve new energy vehicles, industrial automation, smart terminals, medical electronics, and aerospace applications worldwide.

Disclaimer

This report summarizes publicly available technology news for industry research and communication purposes only. All trademarks and content rights belong to their respective owners.